Picture Credit: Twitter
The Indian hockey team have created history as they defeated four-time champions South Korea 2-1 to be crowned the 2023 Women’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup champions at Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. This is the first victory of women in blue in the continental event, having made it to the final once in 2012. With this, it would be for the first time that the Women’s Junior Asia Cup will go outside of China or South Korea for the first time in the history.
In this historic win, the Indian captain Preeti has been named as the Player of the Final. The Indian goals came from Annu in the 22nd minute and Neelam in the 41st minute. On the flip side, the Korean goal came from Park Seo Yeon.
Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey lauded the team for their glorious and historical achievement. He said, “We are filled with immense pride as the Indian Junior Women's team clinched their maiden Junior Asia Cup, leaving us all in awe. Their exceptional display of talent and determination has been truly promising. This triumph has solidified their status as a dominant force in the field, and I firmly believe it will serve as a strong foundation for their upcoming challenge at the Junior World Cup later this year."
He added, “To recognize their outstanding achievement, Hockey India has decided to honor the players with a well-deserved cash award. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the team and the dedicated support staff for their unwavering efforts in bringing glory to our nation.”
The Women in Blue had taken down Japan 1-0 to make it to the final of the tournament for the second time. By making it to the final, the team also qualified for the FIH Junior Hockey Women's World Cup 2023. The final will be held in Santiago, Chile, from November 29 to December 10.
More to follow…
